Maunder Minimum

[Gary Sutcliffe]

There is an excellent article in the May 1992 issue of _Astronomy_ about
stellar activity.  There is quite a bit of discussion of Maunder minima.
 
The Maunder minimum is a period  from the mid 1600s to early 1700's where
no sunspots were observed.
 
The article describes some effects that have been observed that seem to
follow sunspot cycles.  Spots can't be directly seen on other stars,
but some of the other effects can be detected.  Studies of stars similar to
our sun seem to indicate that stars of similar size and age tend to spend
about 1/3 of their time in Maunder minima.   Activity during these periods
is even lower than at normal minimums.
 
If this is true, we are well over due for another Maunder minimum.
If it occurs at the end of this cycle, you can take down all  your
antennas for 20M and above unless you like VHF work -  kind of a
depressing thought.  
 
73's 
-- 
 Gary Sutcliffe  - W9XT             Unified Microsystems (414) 644-9036
 ppvvpp at MIXCOM.COM                  PO Box 133, Slinger WI 53086